Basically, the ACUSD Board of Trustees will consider whether to utilize the definition for Northstar as a low performing, or now entitled, high priority school. AB 2254, by Assembly member Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles), defines eligibility and time lines and sanctions exit criteria for the future of schools that join into the new High Priority Program. According to Jack O’Connell State Superintendent of Public Education "Accountability is a major component of California’s education reform effort," O’Connell said. "But our schools must face the challenge of meeting the requirements of both the state and the federal accountability systems. This new law (designed to designate High Priority Schools) will help to focus our efforts on helping schools that are struggling with low student achievement, and specify how schools that are on the right track can exit state sanctions. “It is solely the local Board's decision to have a district school participate in the state's High Priority Schools Grant Program. It is a totally voluntary program. Whenever the Superintendent of Public Instruction invites any district school to participate in the program, as has been extended to the ACUSD Board for Northstar, the local Board shall hold a public hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss whether or not to apply for participation and how to address the needs of the school and its students. That is what our local board will do this Wednesday. Northstar is an independent study program for students looking for an alternative education experience.